Running & Cycling in Alnwick

Alnwick sits in some of the finest running and cycling landscape in England. Quiet roads, riverside trails, 3,000 acres of walled parkland, and the Northumberland coast are all within easy reach of the town centre. Whether you are training seriously or just want to get out at the weekend, here is what is available.

The Pastures parkrun

Alnwick has its own parkrun at The Pastures, Lion Bridge, NE66 1NG. It takes place every Saturday at 9am and is completely free. The course is run entirely on grass, so expect it to be soft underfoot in winter. First-timers need to register on the parkrun website and bring a printed barcode.

The Pastures is a flat, accessible course beside the River Aln, making it suitable for all abilities -- walkers, joggers, and runners are all welcome. It is also a good way to meet other runners in the area if you are new to the town.

Best for: Register at parkrun.org.uk before your first event and print your barcode. Without it you will not receive a recorded time.

Hulne Park trails

Hulne Park is the jewel of running in Alnwick. The 3,000-acre walled parkland managed by Northumberland Estates offers three colour-coded routes of roughly 4, 6, and 9 miles on tarmac and compressed gravel roads through woodland, along the River Aln, and up to Hulne Priory.

The terrain is gentle but includes enough undulation to make it interesting, and the surfaces are kind on the legs. The park is open from 11am to sunset, so lunchtime and afternoon runs work best. Note that dogs and bicycles are not permitted in the park, which means the paths are quiet and uncluttered.

Best for: Check the notice board at the Ratten Row entrance or the Alnwick Castle website before heading out. Hulne Park occasionally closes for estate management.

For more on the park's walking routes, see our guide to the best walks from Alnwick.

Alnwick to Alnmouth

The route from Alnwick to Alnmouth is one of the best linear runs in Northumberland. It follows the River Aln downstream through farmland and riverside meadows for around 7km (4.5 miles) before arriving at the estuary and the golden sands of Alnmouth Beach. The path is mostly flat but crosses open fields, so it can be muddy after rain.

You can make this a one-way run and catch the Arriva X18 bus back to Alnwick, or run the return leg for a solid 14km outing. The coastal finish is a genuine reward, particularly on a summer evening.

Cycling: National Cycle Network Route 1

NCN Route 1 passes through Alnwick as part of its 1,264-mile journey from Dover to the Scottish Highlands. The Northumberland section runs along the coast, connecting Alnwick with Alnmouth to the south and Craster and Bamburgh to the north.

The stretch from Alnwick to Alnmouth is a manageable ride on quiet lanes, taking around 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. For a longer day out, head north through Craster to Bamburgh and back -- roughly 50 miles with some of the best coastal scenery in England.

The roads around Alnwick are generally quiet by national standards, though the A1 itself should be avoided. Heading west towards the Cheviots and Rothbury opens up longer, hillier rides through some of the emptiest countryside in England.

Alnwick Harriers

Alnwick Harriers is the town's running club, welcoming runners of all ages and abilities. Training takes place on Wednesday evenings at Alnwick Rugby Club, Willowburn Avenue, NE66 1BE, meeting at 6.50pm for a 7pm start.

The club runs four senior training groups graded by ability: Group 1 for those running 5k in 28-38+ minutes, through to Group 4 for sub-21-minute runners. There are also groups for juniors aged 8 and above. Coaching is provided by qualified leaders, and the atmosphere is supportive rather than competitive. If you are new to running or new to the area, the Harriers are a good place to start.

Alnwick Cycling Club

Alnwick Cycling Club was formed in 2013 and caters for road, mountain biking, cyclocross, and leisure cycling. The club welcomes riders of all levels and organises regular group rides through the North Northumberland countryside. Members come from Alnwick and the surrounding area, including Rothbury and the coast.

The club is affiliated with British Cycling and is a good starting point if you want to explore the local roads with people who know them well.

Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre

If the weather is against you, Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre on Willowburn Avenue has a gym with Technogym cardio equipment, including treadmills and spin bikes. Membership also includes access to the 25-metre swimming pool, making it a useful option for cross-training. See our gym guide for more on indoor fitness options.

Have a suggestion or correction? Get in touch.